The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, has finally broken his silence on the arrest of seven judges last week ,calling it “deeply regrettable.”
Speaking at a valedictory session for Justice Suleiman Galadima of the Supreme Court in Abuja, Mr. Mohammed urged Nigerians to pray for the country.
“It is indeed very saddening and deeply regrettable, the distressing and unfortunate incident which occurred on Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October, 2016,”
“Furthermore, I must express my sincere appreciation to the executive of the Nigerian Bar Association ably led by the President, Abubakar Mahmoud and indeed all members of the legal profession for their prompt action and continued support,” he saidhe said.He also announced an emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council, “which will take place tomorrow, will comprehensively look into the matter.”.
The arrested judges by the SSS include John Okoro and Sylvester Nguta of the Supreme Court, Namdi Dimgba and Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja; Kabiru Auta, from Kano; Muazu Pindiga in Gombe, and a former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Innocent Umezulike.
